Question Title: alcohol cardiomyopathy

I recently underwent a thalium stress test and then a cardiac catheterization. I am a 47 years old and have been a very heavy beer
drinker since my teens. The results show a 42 to 45 ejection factor, my arteries are clear, with no blockage at all. I have several questions,
is this in fact classified a cardiomyopathy? Was alcohol more than likely the cause of the low ejection factor? If I cease drinking completely will the condition improve since it may have been the toxin that caused the problem. I have an appointment Tuesday with my primary care doctor to discuss the results of the catheterization, angiogram. What would be several primary questions to ask. Thank You.

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Dear Joe

You have a cardiomyopathy. It is quite likely that it is due to your alcohol intake. You need to stop drinking completely and permanently. If not, your heart function will continue to deteriorate. If you do stop, your heart function may improve slightly or completely with time. There is no way to predict how much improvement may occur with alcohol cessation in alcoholic cardiomyopathy, but it is imperative that you stop to prevent any further weakening of your heart. You should discuss with your internist options for helping alcoholics quit drinking.

I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.

Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.

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